Welcome to Gaia! ::

"Alright, that should do it," I said as I put the finishing touches on a tent, standing up to see what else needed doing. Rala and Yuki were helping people with their tents, using their psychic powers to move things into place, Angeal was helping build the fortifications, and Sauron and Samurai were helping with agricultural stuff that I don't really have a mind for.

Deciding to go help someone else, I walked around for a bit, eventally coming close to the exit, where Wren and Arkelos were coming in from. Seeing Arkelos raised red flags in my mind, but I didn't have a problem with Wren, so I waved at them as they entered.

Wren nodded to Arkelos when he spotted Terashi and, after a brief moment, he recognized him as well. "You were there when Flare attacked Virbank..." He realized aloud. "You lot are everywhere lately..." Sooner or later, he'd figure out where these people all were, he was sure of it. But for now, he had friends and business partners alike that needed help.

"It looks like there's some structures already going up..." he noticed, spotting the tents being assembled around the area. "Let's see if we can't get some more or some bigger ones going so these folks have some semblance of a normally functioning life here for now."

Releasing all three of his currently healthy(ish in one's case) Pokemon, he began to direct them. "Aconite, help put tents up. Hemlock, go and use Rototiller to prepare the soil for a garden. These folks need to be able to grow their own food for a while." He directed. "As for you, Altissima, stay here and help me out. We're going to see if anyone needs healing after their escape from Virbank." He told the Petilil.

"We'll probably need to see if we can find Roxie. She'll likely be the one in charge for now. Once the camp's all set up, the town's mayor or wheoever else will probably take over from there."

Wren nodded to Terashi and headed off in the direction of where he could see the cabin Terashi mentioned now that he was actively looking for it. It didn't take him long to find it and when he did, he approached with a degree of caution. "Hello?" He asked as he knocked on the door. "Am I interrupting anything important?"

"Hmm?" Roxie's voice could be heard clearly through the door before, after a brief moment, it swung open for him. "Can we help you-oh!" She exclaimed, recognizing Wren. "Mr. Briony! Welcome back!" She greeted him, having learned more about the the man after he had delivered the supplies to her not too long ago. Apparently someone who'd been there knew him well enough to tell her about him.

"Hello Roxie. How is everyone holding up?" He asked the woman as she opened the door further.

"Most everyone got out without any trouble. There are a few who are suffering from exhaustion and a few scuffed knees but those are minor injuries." Roxie replied. "I do have a child with a severe sprain that needs medical attention, though, and we don't have anywhere near enough medical supplies." She told him, a hand making it's way up to rest on the underside of her chin, supporting her head and the look of worry her face carried on it. "I'm worried she's going to get worse if we can't do something for her."

"Hmm... I can help ease her pain a bit, I think, but proper treatment is likely going to be harder..." Wren replied, thinking about what his Pokemon could do. "I have a few people who've come to help out as well. Maybe one of them could contribute something?" He asked himself aloud. "Altissima, can you use Aromatherapy as well as Sweet Scent?" He asked his Petilil. She nodded cutely and hopped out of his arms to float around a bit. "Follow Roxie to the injured child and do what you can to help her pain while I talk to the other men who've come along." He told the Petilil. "Please, take her with you and I'll get the others, if they can help any, at least."

Roxie nodded and lead the Petilil away. Turning away from the cabin, Wren realized that, somewhere along the way from the hidden entrance to the grotto and here, he'd misplaced the tea and biscuits he'd been sent along with. He'd find them, eventually, he was sure.

Making his way back to where he'd left Terashi and Arkelos, he made sure to find them both, had they moved since then, and questioned them similarly. "Do you have any medical supplies or Pokemon that can heal injuries?" His Petilil could only do so much with olfactory stimulation so he hoped one of them at least, would be able to say yes. Once he got an answer, he'd head off in the direction Roxie had gone, following the smell of his current team healer's work being done.

After Arkelos brought out all his canines, he quickly noticed that children began to come out of no where. "Hello everyone, they wont bite. Most are very playful." The kids started brushing some of the canines, others were hesitant to come closer.

Arkelos got an idea, looking at Terashi about to give his idea; Wren showed back up. "Oh, welcome back" Arkelos said to Wren, "Now that yall are both here, i think i'll be more useful helping the children stay out of trouble for the time being if that is okay with yall. I'll be just on the edge of the refugee camp keeping them occupied."

After a few minutes he looked over all the kids. "Alright everyone. Let's move out to the edge of the camp grounds. That way we can leave the grown ups to their jobs." Arkelos said moving them in direction he mentioned.

After reaching the edge, he brought out the rest of his pokemon. "Okay, Allow me to introduce everyone to my friends. This fiery guy here is Growlithe; Smart, resourceful, VERY playful. This little gem is Houndour, she likes to sleep; Who here likes to be lazy and lay around all day?" Several kids laughed raising their hands. "There is nothing wrong with getting lots of rest. It gives us more energy to play and have fun with." Arkelos mentioned letting out a giggle. "This here is Furfrou, She just looooves to get her fur brushed. Did yall know in Kalos there are Furfrou Parlors? They give furfrou unique fur designs. However be extra careful to not pull on or tug her fur; i'm sure none of you like your hair being pulled do you?" Arkelos said showing how to brush Furfrou's hair. "We have four more, Alakazam, Poocheyna, Rockruff, and Riolu. Now Rockruff's coat is very rough and can scratch you. Bu the enjoys running around and having fun as much as the next pokemon. Poochyena enjoys playing soccer and football, we'll get to that in a minute. Alakazam does some magic tricks if anyone would like a show." Gesturing over to Riolu, it slowly comes over to Arkelos and the children. "Here we have Riolu, we just met, but i can tell they enjoy games and tricks. Isnt that right Riolu?" Looking up with a worried face and than back at the kids, it gives a anxious smile.

Letting out a cheer, Arkelos signals everyone to play and have fun. "Alright, enough of introductions. Let's play and have some fun, Growlithe, Poochyena, Riolu and Rockruff will have a soccer game going on shortly, Furfrou and Houndour will be chilling in the shade by the trees, Alakazam will be starting a magic show over by the planks that look like a stage. I'll be here if anyone needs anything, come to me with any problems or concerns." He said being goofy and laughing.

While the adults were doing what was needed by their higher ups, Arkelos continued to make sure the children were taken care; and mostly kept out of trouble.

Looking over the field he began to notice that volume of children have increased massively. "Well i was not aware of all the children in the area; not to mention the age range. Looks like creativity will be needed." Seeing all the kids over playing soccer the two teams were getting to bigger and the field was getting cramped. Seeing the toddlers getting under Alakazam's mental strain was beginning to show concern. The top concern was three kids that seemed to be in a distressed state. "This is alot to take in, but the adults need to focus on crucial matters at the present time."

Taking a quick moment to think, the gears began to turn. Getting over to Alakazam Arkelos formulated a plan. "Kaz, i need to to teleport back to HQ really quick and get a few things this is the list of things we will need, just telelport them back one at a time. Please don't over do yourself. Also give this message to Jezebel; we will need her talents here in a few minutes i'm sure."

Kaz vanished and a minute later a pile of sports gear from Football, to more soccer balls, baseball gear, Water balloons and guns. Next to the tree a wide range of books appeared in a neat pile, poems, star charts, kids stories, and some haunting ones. Walking to the center of the field now equipped with a megaphone Arkelos get the attention of ALL the kids.

"Attention everyone; we have a new arrival of games and gear. I would like all the older teenagers to come to me. We will be starting our own sport leagues." A group of 8 teenagers ranging from 15 to 19 showed up in a circle. "Thank you all for your help, We have footballs equipment, more soccer balls, and many more. Make sure everyone is having fun, and keep in mind some might not know how to play; please don't leave them out. Teach them, be patient. Any problems you might have bring them to me."

After arranging the sports teams, Arkelos come back to find Kaz back with the toddlers. "Great you back, take a break with the others under the tree, i'll tend to the younger ones." Kaz heads over to the tree and takes a long rest.

The group of toddlers look on with blank stare. Stratching his head Arkelos begins to questions what he got himself into. "Alright kids, do yall want a hear a story?" He said with a dull monotone voice, The kids all booed and started whining, "Ooooorrrrr, do you want to watch a PUPPET SHOW!" Arkelos exclaimed with excitement. The kids went ballistic, cheering and yelling.

"Alright, what would yall like to see?" Going through the name titles, "How about Pete's Dragonite? Or the little Premarina? Ohhh how about the Sound of Chimecho?" The kids all were shooting down his ideas. "How about the Pyroar King?" The kids all say nay. "Okay, what did you all have in mind?" The kids all started shout out names, "The Ugly Swanna! The Pyroar, the Miss Magieus, and the Closet! Three Bears and Coraline! The Labunny and The Torerra!" Thinking about it for a moment, Arkelos things about one of his Favorites growing up,

This one is all about the mystery, the fun, and the creativity. Starting the Puppet show, he brings out a young Girl, she was accompanied by a lilpup, they were best of friends, After find her way to a strange land she encounters three new friends, a Cacturne, Bisharp, and Luxray, the four had to find a Evil Delphox and her ban of flying Ambipom. All in effort to find their way home.

The kids found the show very entertaining, after a while they were beginning to complain about hunger. The Teenagers Sport Captains were reporting similar complaints. "Yes i do believe it that time, Captains Bring your groups together. It's time food." Rounding up the toddlers, Arkelos walks over to Kaz sleeping under the tree. Giving a Nudge, to slowly walk Kaz up, "Kaz- Kaz," Alakazam starts to wake up, "Did you sleep well?" The pokemon looked up with a smile. "Great, mind giving me a quick hand, we'll get claydol to help."

The two vanished briefly, shortly returning with a banquet of fresh fruits and vegetables paired with some Cold refreshing drinks, some energy saving snacks.

Using the Megaphone again Arkelos gives an announcement. "Attention children, and teens. LUUUUNNNCH TIME!!" Shortly after everyone including the pokemon all come out of the sun to get rest and recharge. Arkelos sits down with the Captains to see how everyone is doing.

"So hows the sports teams? Is everyone getting along? Anyone being wreckless?" One of the Captains spoke up, "Well, the foot balls teams are enjoying their game; but there are a few kids getting excluded.: The soccer captains spoke up, "Maybe we can rotate all the sport groups. and the ones having issues can maybe find a better group to play with." Arkelos looked over with agreement, "Great idea, keep in mind they might feel intimidated." The captains agreed. Arkelos excused himself and left the captains in charge of lunch time.

Walking back in to camp briefly Arkelos lays down some items Jezebel sent with the lunch. Getting to the outpost as quickly as possible, Kaz, Claydol, and himself lay down some large containers filled with foods, ingredients, and supplies. We need to get back to the Kids, but wanted a Fellow Snagem member back at HQ prepared some supplies for the refugees." He mentioned setting them down. The three quickly headed back to the field with the kids.

By the time Terashi was done with the tents he was working on and found Munna, Wren had moved on from the storage boxes and was working with Hemlock on the gardens. The little Cacnea might not have been the most effective at some things but his Rototiller was great for tearing up the soil and making gardening beds. Wren and Aconite were busily planting seeds as Hemlock moved through the rows of tilled soiled with Aconite following Wren's direction and using Bullet Seed to manufacture seeds of varying food items and spraying them through the area following hiss guidance.

Once they were done, Wren looked around to see Arkelos had the children eating some fairly decent food and, for the most part, occupied. Terashi, it looked like, had taken care of a large number of the smaller structures and everything seemed more or less done by this point.

Heading off to the cabin, the only truly permanent structure in the grotto, the dreadlock'd male found Roxie once again. "I think we've done about as much as we can." He informed the woman. "I wanted to let you and the other adults see if there's anything else we can help you with before we leave for now?"

Roxie emerged from the cabin and looked out over the grotto. Her faced turned, slowly, from a dour scowl into a bright grin. "It looks amazing! It's certainly a downgrade from home but at least everyone will have a roof over their head and a place to sleep at night until we get Virbank back from those style-challenged invaders." She assured him. "The only other thing that I can think of might be a fence to keep wild Pokemon out but that won't really do much for the ones who really want in." She said more to herself than Wren.

The sounds of rustling around the grotto suddenly pierced the air, the dull noice of the refugees working undercut by the sound of "silence" all around them. It was like the wild Pokemon population had suddenly become acutely aware of the presence of so many humans in the area and everything had gone quiet at once. And then, as the wind blew through the trees, nature marched on mankind all at once.

"Everyone! Protect the camp!" Roxie screamed over the grotto, her rockstar voice carrying across it all as Pokemon seemingly poured out of the forest around them.

((Battle two Unova-native Pokemon of Stage 1 or Stage 2 to protect the camp.))

Wren rushed out into the refugee camp itself, then onward toward the edges, ushering the children nearby behind him along with any adults that had no Pokemon of their own. Hopefully Arkelos could handle the other children.

"Tula"
"Bat!"

"Hemlock! Aconite!" He called out, releasing his Cacti Pokemon. The Swoobat flying out of the forest's cover fluttered around Hemlock for a moment before a single hard flap of it's wings sent several buzzsaws of wind flying through the area toward the pair of Grass-types. "Sucker Punch, Hemlock!"

Galvantula didn't bother waiting for Swoobat to find safety before releasing a wild Discharge into the area. "Aconite, Bullet Seed!"

The cactoids jumped into action immediately. Hemlock seemed to gain illogical levels of speed for a brief moment as he blasted across the space between himself and Swoobat, charging his body with Dark energy before launching himself into the air and driving a Dark-infused, needly fist into Swoobat's back and knocking the avian rodent into the path of the Discharge coming at him.

Aconite cocked her barrel-like arms as if they were guns before taking aim, one at Swoobat and the other at Galvantula. A half-second later, the rail gun-like attack started up with bullet-like seeds blasting out of her hands and pelting the resistant assailants.

"Swoo! Bat!" With a rather cute snorting sound, Swoobat conjured a solid disk of psionic energy from it's nose and send the disk barreling through the air, it's heart-shaped emblem bearing down on Hemlock rapidly.

Galvatula held it's ground against Aconite's attack and, when it ended, vibrated the fluff on it's rear to producing a deafening buzzing sound that it directed toward the Maractus exclusively.

"Hemlock, Needle Arm! Aconite, use Seed Bomb!" Wren called to his partners.

Hemlock jumped toward the oncoming Heart Stamp and slammed his glowing green arm into it with a right hook. The attack hurt but his own managed to shatter it and left him a path to follow through with a hammer fist from the other arm, driving Swoobat into Gavantula from above.

Aconite, however, was hit by the sonic waves being generated by the arachnid before it was interrupted by Swoobat falling on it. Angered by the bat's interference, the spider wove an electrified net and after shaking Swoobat off, threw the Electroweb over it. Wren took the chance to recall Aconite, seeing that she was too weak at the moment to execute the Seed Bomb he'd asked of her.

"Vantula!" Galvantula exclaimed as it charged, now freed from the Swoobat getting in it's way, straight toward Wren and ignoring Hemlock. It's mandibles glowed with a sickly green insect energy as it prepared a Leech Life, intent of sucking the fluids from it's human prey's veins.

"AAAH!" Wren yelped, falling backward as a flash of green light escaped his bracelet, which had developed a small flower bud on it recently, and a thicket of thick vines covered in dagger-like thorns erupted into existence before his very eyes. Galvantula's attack was stopped in it's tracks as the Bug was entangled in the stabbing bramble, unable to extricate itself as hard as it was trying.

"...What the heck just happened?!" He asked himself, looking over at Hemlock at that point, hoping the cactus might have an idea.

"Cac?" Hemlock responded, shrugging. He was just as clueless as Wren was.

Before long, Wren found Galvantula had passed out from the pain of the thorns stabbing into it and Swoobat had been knocked unconscious by the Electroweb binding it in place. Seeing the other townsfolk as well as Terashi and Arkelos driving away the others, he headed off to find Roxie once again.

She was near the entrance to the Grotto when he found her, in clear view of practically everyone. "Thank you all so much! You've all done a great job getting things put together and protecting each other!" She called out as the attacking waves of wild Pokemon retreated back into the forest. "I think we're about as done setting up as we're going to get, though."

That seemed like it was as good of a "You're done here now" as Wren could think of so he wished Roxie well with the townspeople and promised to return to their aid in the future again if they needed more help. Then he recalled Terashi had asked to speak with him before he left.

"Maybe I should go and find him?" He asked himself aloud, looking down again at Hemlock to see if the cactus Pokemon agreed with him.

"Cac cacnea." The Pokemon told him, insinuating he should follow up with the other male in spite of note really knowing what it was about any more than his trainer did.

Wren faltered for a moment when Terashi spoke to him, inquiring as to his knowledge of the man's employer. "I have no idea who you are or who you work for. I just remember seeing you helping to fight off those invaders in the tacky outfits." He replied, looking down to Hemlock again, confirming the Cacnea's presence and giving himself a bit of much-needed reassurance at the moment. "If you're aware of the other guy who came here with me, I assume you're a mercenary, like him." He concluded, crossing his arms over his chest a bit defensively. Where was this going?